Illinois Fall Stocked Trout Fishing Guide

The Illinois Fall Stocked Trout Fishing Guide is out. Northern Illinois maps and locations to exact trout fishing spots is available. Johnny put together a linked map where you can even save to your phone (Apple iPhone Devices) and links for driving directions (all devices).

You can find these stocked locations at our new resource which will be update both Fall & Spring for Illinois Stocked Trout Fishing. Also available soon will be hot tips for catching more stocked trout even when the fishing bite is slow! The ultimate trout fishing rig works in all ponds and reservoirs well into the season.

Find great tips and locations near you or within a short drive around Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Stocked Trout Fishing Illinois - Northern Illinois
Stocked Trout Next to Gapen Pencil Floats. Johnny’s Trout Fishing Guide will help you to catch more trout all the time!

Johnny’ s Trout Fishing Guide:
26 Trout Fishing Places – Northern Illinois & Chicago Trout Fishing

I’ve made a guide to Northern Illinois – Chicago Area Trout Fishing. You can see all the links to trout fishing ponds, lakes and reservoirs including a few Illinois trout stream locations on my exclusive trout fishing tips map. Get set for rainbow trout! It’s here.

Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season – October 16

Stocked Trout Fishing

Fall Illinois Trout Fishing is coming soon. It’s Time for trout! Go Fish. Thus, it’s time to prepare. Ready your trout fishing tackle. And, get bait. Because it is time for Our 2021 Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season which opens Saturday, October 16th at more than 50 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. Which means trout, trout, trout. Catch Rainbow trout.

For those looking to learn to fish – grab a fishing lesson or guided fishing session. I can teach you how to catch a lot of rainbow trout on these Illinois ponds.

Illinois Fall Trout Fishing
Grab a lesson and learn how to attract, detect trout bites and land more rainbow trout with a guided fishing lesson.

Careful. No trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from October 1st until the fall trout season opens October 16. Don’t get busted.

Anyone attempting to take trout before the legal harvest season opening will be issued citations. Because, that would be a $125 fine. Per fish, your gear confiscated, so fish safe.

The Illinois catchable trout program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps and the Illinois Fish Management Fund.

Don’t be that guy. All anglers — including those who intend to release fish caught before October 16. Make sure to have a valid fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. The daily catch limit for each angler is five (5) trout – after October 16.

Catch More Trout w/Trout Pellets or Trout Attractant Mix:

There are two products that have been tested on Illinois stocked trout and proven to attract them and get them feeding. Trout Pellets and Trout Attractant MixBOOM. The pellets work very well and the BOOM mix will also work. We recommend fishing wax worm or spikes on a #14 Owner Mosquito Hook.

Trout Fishing Tackle Tips

Use 3 lb. Flourocarbon leader and a 4 lb. main line unless you are fishing weedy waters. Use 4 lb. in weeds for your leader. For spinning shore gear and float fishing (our preferred trout fishing method) – use a longer rod like the Gapen 10 10′ Shore and Float Fishing Rod with a large spinning reel like the 4K 4000 series reel. For fishing floats GO SMALL! The Gapen Pencil Float is our favorite and the Bobber Anne a close second. These detect smallest of trout bites and will catch you more fish.

Get a Fishing Stamp and Have a License

You will need an Illinois fishing license. Fishing licenses and Inland Trout Stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Check the IDNR website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx

Grab your trout stamp or fishing license online. Also can be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr

Not all of the fall trout sites listed below open at 5:00 a.m. on opening day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location prior to the season. For more information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout.

Participants in Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season are reminded to follow current public health directives, including maintaining social distancing guidelines, bringing with them masks in case social distancing cannot be maintained and hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County can stock a bit differently with the Cook County Trout Stocking. Please check the FPCC website for updates closer to October 16, 2021. This is a fluid situation.

If you need great tackle for catching light-biting Fall Illinois Trout – visit LiveBaitFishingTackle.com to pick from their trout fishing floats.

2021 Illinois Fall Trout Locations

(* Denotes Sites Open for Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing Early Season)

North Illinois Trout Fishing Locations

  1. Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway 
  2. Cook County: Wolf Lake, William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago 
  3. Jo Daviess County: Apple River, Apple River State Park *
  4. Kankakee County: Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee 
  5. Kankakee County: Rock Creek at Kankakee River State Park *
  6. Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area 
  7. Lake County: Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park 
  8. LaSalle County: Illinois and Michigan Canal at Lock 14 Pool, LaSalle-Peru 
  9. McHenry County: Spring Grove Hatchery Pond
  10. Ogle County: Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park *
  11. Rock Island County: Prospect Park, Moline 
  12. Warren County: Citizen’s Lake, Monmouth
  13. Whiteside County: Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls
  14. Will County: Lake Strini, Romeoville
  15. Will County: Van Horn Woods, Plainfield
  16. Winnebago County: Bauman Lake, Cherry Valley 

Central Illinois Fishing Locations

  1. Adams County: Siloam Springs State Park Lake *
  2. Cass County: Gridley Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA *
  3. Champaign County: Kaufman Lake, Champaign Park District
  4. Christian County: Manners Park Pond, Taylorville Park District
  5. Clark County: Casey Park Pond, Casey Park District 
  6. Coles County: Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston
  7. DeWitt County: Weldon Springs State Park Lake 
  8. Douglas County: Villa Grove West Lake
  9. Hancock County: Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park *
  10. Macon County: Rock Springs Pond, Macon County Conservation District 
  11. Macoupin County: Beaver Dam Lake, Beaver Dam State Park
  12. McDonough County: Argyle Lake, Argyle Lake State Park 
  13. Morgan County: Morgan Lake at Nichols Park, Jacksonville * 
  14. Sangamon County: IDOT Lake, Springfield *
  15. Sangamon County: Southwind Park Pond, Springfield 
  16. Sangamon County: Washington Park Pond, Springfield 
  17. Shelby County: Forest Park Lagoon, Shelbyville 
  18. Tazewell County: Mineral Springs Park Lagoon 
  19. Vermilion County: Clear Lake, Kickapoo State Recreation Area 

South Illinois Trout Fishing Locations

  1. Bond County: Greenville Old City Lake
  2. Crawford County: Crawford County Conservation Area Pond #6 
  3. Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond 
  4. Johnson County: Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake
  5. Madison County: Belk Park Pond, Wood River, Edwardsville Park District 
  6. Madison County: Highland Old City Lake 
  7. Marion County: Boston Pond, Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
  8. Massac County: Fairgrounds Pond, Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis 
  9. Randolph County: Derby Lake, World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta 
  10. Randolph County: Randolph County Lake 
  11. Saline County: Jones State Lake Pond 
  12. St. Clair County: Frank Holten State Recreation Area Main Lake 
  13. St. Clair County: Jones Park Lake, East St. Louis
  14. St. Clair County: Willow Lake, Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area* (NOTE: Due to water temperature, stocking will be delayed) 
  15. Wabash County: Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park 
  16. Wayne County: Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area Trout Pond 
  17. Williamson County: Devil’s Kitchen Lake 

Please Make Note: If your favorite spot in Lake, or Cook County is not on this list, please refer to their websites for information. Also note: DuPage County has Cancelled it’s Fall Trout Stocking Program. While their regular fishing is still open – they decided not to stock trout because of larger crowds – who will now crowd together at other sites.

An early opportunity at select trout sites — the Fall Catch-and-Release Fishing Season — will open October 3 at locations marked with an asterisk (*) in the list below.

No trout can be kept during the catch-and-release fishing period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning October 16th. Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season Begins with Early Catch-and-Release Opportunity Opens October 3 at select sites*

Best Fishing Bait Chicago Area

Best Fishing Bait Chicago

We have the Best Fishing Bait Chicago. Our top 5 list of the best bait and tackle shops will help you get fishing. We have sampled bait from around the area and there are a few stand-out fishing bait stores in the Chicagoland area. Their bait is superior than other outlets for picking up bait and are worth the trip to catch more fish. Healthy, moving bait literally catches more fish. We have done experiments which show the best live baits out-catch artificial baits at 3:1 or greater! We believe your can catch four times the fish using better live bait! It proves out. Changing your hook bait from sad and old to brand new catches fish!

Best Fishing Bait Chicago Number 1: Lee’s Bait & Tackle

The top bait store in the Chicago area is a 2-store chain located in Elk Grove Village and Carol Stream. Also, Lee’s Bait & Tackle takes care of its bait better than any bait shop I have seen. I have been behind the scenes and their bait care & minnow tanks are top notch. Because of this, anglers travel to pick up bags of their minnows and flats of their crawlers because they catch more fish.

Lee’s consistently stocks all varieties of bait that are in season. They are one of the only retailers to carry Spikes (top panfish and trout bait) all season long. Henry’s staff feeds their nightcrawlers until the nigh crawlers are fat like snakes and strong!

You will not have a more lively bait than a Lee’s Nightcrawler! Their store smells the best of any bait store – because it doesn’t smell. Both stores are kept so clean because of the care and work that goes into keeping the minnow tanks clean-filtered and the bait fresh!

Bait for Trips Specialist

Call ahead for speciality baits or for packing baits for a long fishing trip – the owners will have your bait order packed and ready for the trip! Their prices are great also. Line spooling is a key service that they provide. Take advantage, save money on new line (which you should replace every other year). Looking for fishing line? Their stores carry bulk line prices will save you money and your reels will be spooled correctly!

Lee’s Bait & Tackle covers the West and Northwest Chicago Suburbs at two locations! Their store has very nice hours for those that fish (the owners work their tails off and are there most every day early and late)! This is one of the home stores for our fishing guiding. If you wish us to take you out, book a guided fishing session online and we can meet you at the shop! We take customers out, to use the fishing tackle and then help you pick out the perfect gear at the shop.

Lee’s Bait & Tackle – Elk Grove Village

Lee’s Bait & Tackle – Carol Stream

Best Fishing Tackle – Number 2: LiveBaitFishingTackle.com

First off, we are totally biased. We have the best fish-catching tackle in the USA. The reason, we stock a ton of the best pond and lake fishing tackle, we had to put Live Bait Fishing Tackle at number 2. Secondly, we don’t carry live bait. We have the ultimate selection of live bait fishing hooks, floats, rods and reels based on catching all species of fish. Our shop carries the Gapen float fishing rod, the best shore and float fishing rod available in the US.

In addition, we carry the most sensitive jigging rods available anywhere. The Gapen 6′ jigging rods are the top bite-detecting rod available to sense the structure, feel light bites and catch more fish.

The tackle is mostly based on competition-level fishing and is all field-tested by a 3-time USA Fishing Team World Championships qualifier! With few exceptions, all of the equipment listed is used in guiding and in competitions, fishing at a high level. This gear is hand-selected and even manufactured by the company to help you catch more fish.

Live Bait Tackle Specialists

The best hooks available are in stock along with the largest selection of floats and bobbers in the USA. Add the best live bait fishing tools and terminal tackle and you can’t go wrong shopping at this online store. Added bonus, locals can have their tackle delivered to their door also or pick them up at events.

Lastly, an added bonus is that all this tackle can be shipped to your door. We pick and pack your order saving you a ton of time shopping and driving. The store offers items not found in any retail store around. Shop 24-7 at LiveBaitFishingTackle.com

Number 3 : Fishing Connection

The owner Greg works very hard at keeping an excellent selection of tackle and baits. This is why Fishing Connection is one of the Best Fishing Bait Chicago options. The only weakness is that he doesn’t carry minnows for various reasons including size of shop and neatness.

Steelhead & Muskie Specialist

He has a great selection of Musky baits and Steelhead Salmon flies as he is an avid fishermen with a lot of Steelhead experience.

For bait he carries a lot of live baits and in season can get you most anything. Call ahead for special orders and he will have them ready. Fishing Connection offers reel services and rod repairs, a huge help to fishermen. I like his bulk wax worms. Spikes, you will need to ask him to order a couple weeks in advance. Visiting their stores, you will find them really clean . Both stores have great inventory. We live Fishing Connection best for the South Side angler.

Firstly, Note their hours. Mondays the store closes. Secondly, plan accordingly and visit Greg for your South Side bait and tackle needs. This is one of the home stores for our fishing guiding. If you wish us to take you out, book a guided fishing session online and we can meet you at the shop! We can even help you pick out fishing tackle at these store.

Fishing Connection – Tinley Park

Number 4: Henry’s Chicago – Best Fishing Bait Chicago

Henry’s is located right down the street from Old Comiskey Park in the heart of Sox Country. Easy access off of the highway, it is 3 blocks from the exit and offers long hours early and late for your live bait needs. They are one of the other retailers that carries the widest selection of live bait including spikes. Henry’s is our number 4 Best Fishing Bait Chicago stores.

Call ahead for bait availability. They usually have what you need in stock. Firstly, as for fishing tackle, they stock some of the basics. Henry’s has some rods and reels but are generally in the lower-end for their fishing tackle. Budget tackle is made available because that is mostly what fishermen grab.

Secondly, you won’t find a lot of specialty gear. Henry’s has enough fishing tackle, hooks, terminal tackle and replacement rods and reels for any emergency or last-minute trip. They do a great volume in the bait department and will have very fresh, well-kept live bait including a large assortment of minnows.

Lake Front Specialists

Lake-front and river fishing are their bread-and-butter so the baits you need to fish the lake are all there. Their hours are amazing, and you can call the store if you need anything special. Henry’s offers Line-winding services. Lastly, the owners are great and do a lot for the community. Because they are awesome, do support them if you are looking for fishing bait in Chicago proper! They are the downtown bait shop.

Henry’s Bait & Tackle – Chicago

Fishing F1 – AM September 26th – 8 AM

This fishing class is for beginners to expert-level anglers. It is an introduction and the first of a two-part class. Our fishing class – F1 will be held at 8 AM sharp on September 26th. This is the first class-the F1 – The second class is a double class and will finalize your lessons.

When we meet, know that our class will be held at the rock circle and there will be a smaller class – we will allow enough space for everyone to comfortably gather without worries. Outdoor activities are essential – let’s re-gather when we are all clear and free of worry about this virus. I will miss you until then. The class will be limited to 10 people regardless of what phase we are in. THIS CLASS IS HELD IN DOWNERS GROVE – PATRIOT’S PARK (Barth Pond).

In this class you will learn about fishing poles, fishing rods, the rigs, floats, bite indicators and live baits. The first class gives you examples of good tackle and bad tackle (the kind you find hanging from most stores!). Bad fishing is NOT your fault. The stores are packed with fishing gear that does not catch fish locally OR ON VACATION. I will teach you how to catch many more and larger fish in just 2 sessions.

You may purchase a class to reserve it and place this in your notes. We will meet : 8:00 AM. – F1 Class. (class one of the two-part series). Note we will have a two-class day (long day though on September 26th.) You may take the F23, the second class on September 26th.

Students must reserve a spot using our class registration. Discounts given for purchasing 3 or more class passes. Add a note at Checkout for which class slot you prefer – note you can change times, with some sort of communication.

Purchase a single fishing class here – tax is included in the price for single classes.


Save 20% by purchasing multiple classes – 3 or more at a time.
Want to register several people – OR – register for all 3 classes? You can register for classes F23 coming up.

Purchase multiple fishing classes at a discount here – tax is included in the price for single classes. Discount is calculated on multiples of 3 or more. Have a large group? Call for large family or large group booking discounts. (Or Book a Private Lesson)

Select Your Fishers

Gift Certificate + Purchased Groupon Registration

Have a Groupon? Groupons are good for Fishing 1 classes (only). Register your Groupon fishing class using the above pulldown. $1 registration charge – (you will get a free fishing tool for the registration cost.). Save 30% on your Fishing 1 class. Note this is a 2-class series. You will need to purchase Fishing 23 (a double session) separately and they can be taken at any time.

REGISTER YOUR GROUPON – OR Gift Certificate Here:

What you need for fishing classes. Camera or phone camera. A drink. That’s it. We provide everything you need for classes. Classes are good for beginners, experienced anglers and families including kids 6 and up.

F23 Fishing Class October 3rd 9 AM

** note today’s F23 class is being moved to October 3rd. Please email if you have a coupon and would like to register for that! Or text me 630.235 Two 162.

CLASSES ARE ON – we will meet October 3rd – 9 AM for THE FISHING F23 Class.
You may take the F1 the same morning, We will have a break between classes as the second class is a double class.

This fishing class is for beginners to expert-level anglers. It is the final class of the two-part class series. This second class is a double session and will finalize your lessons. This will be F23. Yes – please take F1 prior to taking this class.
THIS FINAL CLASS IS 2.5 HOURS IN LENGTH. PLAN ACCORDINGLY

When we meet, know that our class will be held at the rock circle and there will be a smaller class – we will allow enough space for everyone to comfortably gather without worries. Outdoor activities are essential – let’s re-gather when we are all clear and free of worry about this virus. I will miss you until then. The class will be limited to 10 people regardless of what phase we are in. This class is held in Downers Grove, Patriot’s Park (Bath Pond).

You may purchase a class to reserve it and place this in your notes.
We will meet : October 3rd. – 9 AM (parts 2 and 3 of our 3-part learn to fish series).

Students must reserve a spot using our class registration. Discounts given for purchasing 3 or more class passes. Add a note at Checkout for which class slot you prefer – note you can change times, with some sort of communication.

Purchase a the F23 fishing class here – tax is included in the price for single classes.


Save 20% by purchasing multiple classes – 3 or more at a time.
Want to register several people – OR – register for all 3 classes?
You can register for classes F23 here. Should class be cancelled for weather – your credit is always good for future classes (also if you can’t make it – contact us 24 hours prior to the class)! We will get you catching fish and help you out.

Purchase multiple fishing classes at a discount here – tax is included in the price for single classes. Discount is calculated on multiples of 2 or more. Have a large group? Call for large family or large group booking discounts. (Or Book a Private Lesson) Discounts automatically applied in the pricing for F23 for multiple fishers.

Select Your Fishers

Gift Certificate + Groupon Registration

Have a Groupon? Groupons are good for Fishing 1 classes (only). Register your Groupon fishing class using the above pulldown. $1 registration charge – (you will get a free fishing tool for the registration cost.). Save 30% on your Fishing 1 class. Note this is a 2-class series. You will need to purchase Fishing 23 (a double session) separately and they can be taken at any time. Discounts for 2nd class (Fishing 23) are applied for multiple fishers in the cart automatically. For larger groups-please email or text 630.235.2162 for assistance.

What you need for fishing classes. Camera or phone camera. A drink. That’s it. We provide everything you need for classes. Classes are good for beginners, experienced anglers and families including kids 6 and up.

Fishing F1 – AM September 20th – 8 AM

This fishing class is for beginners to expert-level anglers. It is an introduction and the first of a two-part class. Our fishing class – F1 will be held at 8 AM sharp on September 20th. This is the first class F1 – The second class is a double class and will finalize your lessons. This will be F23. F23 is coming up. F23 class is offered September 26th

When we meet, know that our class will be held at the rock circle and there will be a smaller class – we will allow enough space for everyone to comfortably gather without worries. Outdoor activities are essential – let’s re-gather when we are all clear and free of worry about this virus. I will miss you until then. The class will be limited to 10 people regardless of what phase we are in. THIS CLASS IS HELD IN DOWNERS GROVE – PATRIOT’S PARK (Barth Pond).

In this class you will learn about fishing poles, fishing rods, the rigs, floats, bite indicators and live baits. The first class gives you examples of good tackle and bad tackle (the kind you find hanging from most stores!). Bad fishing is NOT your fault. The stores are packed with fishing gear that does not catch fish locally OR ON VACATION. I will teach you how to catch many more and larger fish in just 2 sessions.

You may purchase a class to reserve it and place this in your notes. We will meet : 8:00 AM. – F1 Class. (class one of the two-part series). Note we will have a two-class day (long day though on September 26th.) F23 is at 10:30.

Students must reserve a spot using our class registration. Discounts given for purchasing 3 or more class passes. Add a note at Checkout for which class slot you prefer – note you can change times, with some sort of communication.

Purchase a single fishing class here – tax is included in the price for single classes.


Save 20% by purchasing multiple classes – 3 or more at a time.
Want to register several people – OR – register for all 3 classes? You can register for classes F23 coming up.

Purchase multiple fishing classes at a discount here – tax is included in the price for single classes. Discount is calculated on multiples of 3 or more. Have a large group? Call for large family or large group booking discounts. (Or Book a Private Lesson)

Select Your Fishers

Gift Certificate + Purchased Groupon Registration

Have a Groupon? Groupons are good for Fishing 1 classes (only). Register your Groupon fishing class using the above pulldown. $1 registration charge – (you will get a free fishing tool for the registration cost.). Save 30% on your Fishing 1 class. Note this is a 2-class series. You will need to purchase Fishing 23 (a double session) separately and they can be taken at any time.

REGISTER YOUR GROUPON – OR Gift Certificate Here:

What you need for fishing classes. Camera or phone camera. A drink. That’s it. We provide everything you need for classes. Classes are good for beginners, experienced anglers and families including kids 6 and up.

2020 Trout Fishing Illinois & Chicago Area Rainbows!

Stocked Trout Fishing

2020 Trout Fishing Season is Just Around the Corner -Illinois’ Spring Trout Stocking

2020 Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 4

Early Spring Catch-and-Release Opportunity Opens March 21 at select sites

2020 Trout Fishing is approaching – get your tackle and bait ready!

SPRINGFIELD, IL —The 2020 Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season will open Saturday, April 4 at 56 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state. 

An early opportunity at select trout sites – the Spring Catch-and-Release Fishing Season – will open March 21.  No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release fishing period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning April 4. 

Learn to Fish Chicago
2020 Trout fishing is coming. Find the best trout bait & trout fishing floats here at LiveBaitFishingTackle.com – you can even find a trout pellet that attracts trout to your fishing spot!

Two traditional spring 2020 trout fishing locations are closed this year. The Waddams Creek site at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreational Area and Manners Park Pond in Taylorville will be temporarily removed from stocking for site maintenance purposes. 
  
The Illinois Catchable Trout Program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the Fall Trout Fishing Season, which begins in October.

For the 2020 spring trout fishing, no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from March 15 until the season opens at 5:00 a.m. April 4. Anyone attempting to harvest trout before the legal harvest season opening will be issued citations.  

All anglers – including those who intend to release fish caught before April 4 – must have a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout. 

Illinois 2020 fishing licenses and Inland Trout Stamps are available now at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. For a list of locations, check the IDNR website at this link:  https://dnr2.illinois.gov/dnrdirectmonitor/VendorListing.aspx

Fishing licenses and trout stamps also can be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/LPR/Pages/default.aspx, or by calling DNR Direct toll-free at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).

For more information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. Not all sites open at 5am on opening day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite sites prior to the opening date. The 58 locations that will be open for spring trout season are listed below. 

2020 Illinois Spring Trout Locations 

(** Denotes sites open for Catch-and-Release Early Spring Season fishing)

North

  • Boone County: Mill Race Ponds, Belvidere 
  • Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway 
  • Cook County: Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District
  • Cook County: Belleau, Cook County Forest Preserve District
  • Cook County: Green Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District
  • Cook County: Horsetail Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District
  • Cook County: Wolf Lake, William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago 
  • DuPage County: Grove Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District 
  • DuPage County: Pickerel Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District 
  • DuPage County: Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District 
  • Jo Daviess County: Apple River, Apple River State Park **
  • Kankakee County: Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee 
  • Kankakee County: Rock Creek at Kankakee River State Park **
  • Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
  • Lake County: Banana Lake, Lake County Forest Preserve District 
  • Lake County: Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park 
  • LaSalle County: Illinois and Michigan Canal at LaSalle 
  • LaSalle County: Lake Mendota, Village of Mendota 
  • McHenry County: Lake Atwood, McHenry County Conservation District 
  • McHenry County: Piscasaw Creek, McHenry County Conservation District 
  • Ogle County: Pine Creek in White Pines Forest State Park **
  • Rock Island County: Prospect Park, Moline 
  • Stephenson County: Yellow Creek in Krape Park, Freeport 
  • Whiteside County: Centennial Park Pond in Rock Falls
  • Will County: Lake Milliken at Des Plaines Conservation Area
  • Winnebago County: Baumann Lake, Cherry Valley 
  • Winnebago County: Four Lakes, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District 

Central

  • Adams County: Siloam Springs State Park Lake **
  • Cass County: Gridley Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA **
  • Champaign County: Lake of the Woods, CCFPD, Mahomet
  • Champaign County: Kaufman Lake, Champaign Park District
  • Clark County: Casey Park Pond, Casey 
  • Coles County: Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond in Charleston
  • DeWitt County: Weldon Springs Lake, Weldon Springs State Park 
  • Hancock County: Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park **
  • Macon County: Sportsman’s Club Pond, Decatur Park District
  • McLean County: Miller Park Lake, Bloomington Park District
  • Morgan County: Morgan Lake at Nichols Park, Jacksonville **
  • Moultrie County: Wyman Lake, Sullivan
  • Pike County: King Park Pond, Pittsfield
  • Sangamon County: IDOT Lake, Springfield **
  • Sangamon County: Southwind Park Pond in Springfield 
  • Sangamon County: Washington Park Pond in Springfield 
  • Shelby County: Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville 
  • Vermilion County: Clear Lake at Kickapoo State Recreation Area 

South

  • Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond 
  • Johnson County: Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake
  • Madison County: Belk Park Pond, Wood River 
  • Marion County: Boston Pond at Stephen A. Forbes State Park 
  • Massac County: Fairgrounds Pond in Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis 
  • Randolph County: Derby Lake at World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta 
  • St. Clair County: Frank Holten State Park Main Lake 
  • St. Clair County: Jones Park Lake, East St. Louis
  • St. Clair County: Willow Lake at Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area **
  • Wabash County: Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park 
  • Wayne County: Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area Trout Pond 

Learn to Fish Videos

Learn to Fish Videos @ChicagoFishing Chicago Fishing has a You Tube channel. You should be following us for new video announcements and great fishing lessons, tips and tricks. Get your learn to Fish Videos right on our channel. Here is one of our videos that shows the best tool for removing fish that have swelled the hook like bluegill, trout, crappie and perch. This simple tool will help you save the fish and also get your hook back. This is an example of videos there soon-to-come.

In the past we created a blog and have over 100 episodes. Our rigs, diagrams and demonstrations are better suited for learn to fish videos. You asked for it- you go it. This Spring look for videos to be posted.

Our Current Videos include:

Removing Hooks – Saving Deep-Hooked Fish

How Fish Feed – Hydrodynamics

What is Match Fishing (live bait fishing from shore)

If you follow us, you will be notified every time we add new learn to fish content. Our first few videos will include:

  • Learn to Fish
  • Catch More
  • Finding Good Fishing Spots – Portable Electronics
  • Great Fishing Baits
  • Cheap & Awesome Fishing Rig
  • Ultimate Shore Fishing Setup
  • SpeedFishing (catching lots)
  • Balancing a Float at home
  • Great Electronics for Renting a Boat!
  • Mapping Shoreline With Portable Electronics
  • Using Your Cell Phone to Catch More Fish
  • Tying Your Own Leaders

If you are into fishing, want to learn and have experience shooting videos, we want to partner with you. We have fishing adventures to go on, and want to take you with. Join us and shoot short educational video segments. We will shoot 2 or 3 videos in one session which will be 8 – 15 minutes in length.

Contact Johnny @ 630.235.2162 if you are interested in shooting awesome fishing videos and want to partner up. The videos will also be made into a video learning series so there is a chance to earn some money as we grow the learn to fish video library. Royalties, fishing tackle discounts and ad revenue share from YouTube available once we complete video shoots.

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